Football participation in New Zealand reached record levels in 2025, with more than 180,000 players registered across domestic competitions and school programmes.
Latest participation statistics from national body NZ Football show nearly 148,500 players took part in organised football and futsal, representing 3% growth in football and 11% growth in futsal.
About 34,000 more players were involved through New Zealand Secondary Schools competitions, reinforcing football’s position as the country’s largest team participation sport.
Sport NZ’s most recent Active NZ Participation Survey also confirmed football remains the biggest organised team sport by overall participant numbers nationwide.
Girls’ and women’s participation continued to rise following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with female football and futsal numbers increasing 35% since 2022.
Participation growth was also recorded across under-represented communities, with Māori numbers rising 9% compared to 2024 and Pasifika participation increasing 7%.
Asian participation recorded the largest annual increase, rising more than 10%, contributing to a combined 9% growth across Māori, Pasifika and Asian players.
Coaching participation also expanded during 2025, with more than 3,200 people completing New Zealand Football coaching courses across community and advanced pathways.
Overall, coaching participation increased by 25% compared to 2024, including a 23% rise in community courses and a 36% increase in advanced coaching programmes.
Female participation in coaching courses rose by 57%, while combined Asian, Māori, and Pasifika participation increased by 80%.
NZ Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell … ‘more opportunities to grow participation in 2026.’
New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said participation growth confirmed football’s expanding national footprint and reflected increased engagement following recent international tournaments.
“With the All Whites competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026, this year represents a massive opportunity to inspire more Kiwis to pick up the sport,” Pragnell said.
He said sustained growth also relied on volunteers and coaches supporting competitions nationwide, while increased coaching participation strengthened development pathways.
“These numbers show we’re on the right path towards accomplishing our key outcomes in New Zealand Football’s 2035 strategy,” Pragnell said.
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This story was first published on January 30, 2026.